Penn State dominates the landscape of State College, and most people think of one of two things when they think of the campus: education and football. However, there are other great things to enjoy on the university’s campus.

Visitation is a critical economic driver for Centre County. At no time in recent history will the weight of this fact be more known or more felt than it will be this fall. The HVAB is committed to safe travel, and conducts its destination marketing mission with that outcome in mind.

For Centre County restaurants, shops and establishments negatively impacted by the ongoing pandemic and just trying to remain afloat, “to mask or not to mask” is not up for debate. Wearing a mask is necessary for economic recovery.

Public art is a defining component of any community’s character. Art can elevate key concepts of a region’s beauty, act as a cultural time-capsule, and offer fresh perspectives on social issues. Here in Happy Valley we are so fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring art, much of it created by local artists.

Whether you’re a longtime Centre County resident or a visitor stopping by for the first time, see more of beautiful Happy Valley with a unique way to explore some of the area’s most interesting spots: he new Happy Valley PA GeoTour. (GT4E2)

Saturday and Sunday, June 27 and 28, 2020, 9 AM – 5 PM each day. The 2020 celebration offers a weekend of special historic tours, programs, children’s activities and savings, plus a few new surprises everyone will enjoy! Portraying the roles of those significant in the discovery and history of the caverns, interpreters will offer a special historic tour of both Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks. Tickets for adults and children will be offered for $9 in celebration of 90 years. Panning for gems is available for an additional charge. The one-hour historical tours leave from the visitors’ center approximately every half hour, rain or shine. No reservations are necessary to experience the splendor and beauty of Lincoln Caverns and Whisper Rocks, however tour size is limited, and are filled in the order tickets are sold. Masks are required in the Visitors Center and on the tour. As an added treat, ECHO THE BAT, Lincoln Caverns’ mascot, joins the family at Discovery Days, 12 – 3 PM both Saturday and Sunday, with photo ops and gifts for all our young visitors.

Centre County’s move into green was welcome news. We are not out of the woods yet with regard to health concerns related to COVID-19. However, the re-opening of businesses, even with restrictions in place, is another step forward in an eventual return to normal. Till then, our hard-hit restaurants, retail shops, lodging facilities and attractions are navigating a host of new operating procedures and implementing enhanced safety standards all designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and keep customers safe.

Lisa Rager of Visit Johnstown speaks on behalf of Pennsylvania’s destination marketing organizations to the Pennsylvania House Tourism Committee

Local residents are the best brand ambassadors. So, when is the last time you explored your own backyard? This summer is a great time to rediscover Happy Valley by being a local tourist.